Hoan Kiem Lake
The green heart of Hanoi: a legendary lake with a red bridge, an island temple and the city’s favourite place to walk, exercise and meet.
- Hanoi
- Included in 4 tours
- Tours from $25
- Updated October 2026
About Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi in every sense: the point from which distances are measured, the place where Hanoians come to exercise at dawn and stroll at night, and the backdrop to the city’s most famous legend. The lake is only about 12 hectares, so you can walk around it in 20–30 minutes, but there is a lot to see along the way.
Its name means “Lake of the Returned Sword”. In the 15th century, the story goes, King Le Loi used a magic sword to drive out Ming invaders. After the victory he was boating on the lake when a giant golden turtle rose from the water, took back the sword and returned it to the gods. The lake, once called Luc Thuy (Green Water), became Ho Hoan Kiem, and locals still often call it simply Ho Guom, Sword Lake.
Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge and Turtle Tower
On a small island at the northern end stands Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of the Jade Mountain, reached by the red wooden The Huc Bridge, “the bridge where morning light rests”. The temple was rebuilt in its present form in the 19th century, and in 1865 the scholar Nguyen Van Sieu restored it, added the bridge and the Pen Tower (Thap But) on the shore. It honours Tran Hung Dao, the general who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century, as well as the patron of literature. Inside you can see a preserved giant soft-shell turtle from the lake.
In the middle of the lake, on a tiny island you cannot visit, stands the Turtle Tower (Thap Rua), built in the late 19th century and now one of the city’s symbols. The lake’s famous giant turtles were real: the last known one died in 2016, and many Hanoians still speak of it with affection.
The walking street and daily life
From Friday evening to Sunday night the roads around the lake close to traffic and become a walking street, full of families, buskers, street games and couples taking photos. Early in the morning, before the city wakes up, the shoreline fills with tai chi groups, joggers and aerobics classes — one of the best free shows in Vietnam.
Is Hoan Kiem Lake worth visiting?
Yes. It is the symbolic and geographic heart of Hanoi, free to enjoy, and an easy 20 to 30 minute stroll around the shore. Pair the walk with Ngoc Son Temple on its island, reached by the red The Huc Bridge, and time your visit for sunrise to catch the tai chi and joggers, or a weekend evening when the surrounding roads close for the walking street.
Worth it?
Why visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
- The legend of the returned swordThe story of King Le Loi and the golden turtle gives the lake its name and is part of every Hanoian’s childhood.
- Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc BridgeCross the red bridge to a lakeside temple with incense, old trees and a preserved giant turtle.
- Turtle TowerThe small tower on its island in the middle of the lake is one of Hanoi’s most recognised images.
- Dawn exerciseFrom about 5:00 the shore fills with tai chi, dancing, badminton and walkers — a very local scene.
- Weekend walking streetFriday to Sunday evening the streets around the lake belong to pedestrians, music and street games.
- Between two HanoisThe Old Quarter begins on the north shore and the French Quarter on the south, so you can see both in one walk.
Make the most of it
Things to do at Hoan Kiem Lake
Walk the loop around the lake
About 1.7 km, 20–30 minutes at an easy pace. Go clockwise from The Huc Bridge to see Turtle Tower from several angles; benches and shady trees all the way.
Visit Ngoc Son Temple
Cross The Huc Bridge and spend 20–30 minutes in the temple courtyards. Tickets 50,000 VND for adults; free for children under 15. Cover shoulders and knees.
Watch Hanoi wake up
Come between 5:30 and 7:00 to see tai chi, ballroom dancing and fan exercises. Many groups are happy for you to join in for a few minutes.
Join the weekend walking street
From about 19:00 on Friday until midnight on Sunday the streets around the lake close to traffic. Expect live music, traditional games like tug of war and shuttlecock, and big crowds on holidays.
See the Pen Tower and Ink Slab
At the entrance to Ngoc Son Temple, the stone Pen Tower and the Ink Slab gate show the respect Vietnamese culture gives to learning.
Watch a water puppet show
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is on the north-east shore (57B Dinh Tien Hoang). Shows last about 50 minutes; tickets roughly 100,000–200,000 VND.
Have a coffee with a lake view
Upper-floor cafés around Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square and along Dinh Tien Hoang look over the water and the busy roundabout. Expect 40,000–80,000 VND for a coffee.
Walk on to the Old Quarter or French Quarter
Head north into Hang Gai and Hang Bac, or south down Trang Tien Street to the Opera House — both are five minutes away.
Ride around the lake with us
Our 2-hour jeep, electric scooter and female-rider city tours circle the lake on the way through the Old Quarter, and our sunrise scooter tour starts with the dawn exercise scene here.
Good to know
Ngoc Son Temple: tickets and opening times
| Adult ticket | 50,000 VND |
|---|---|
| Children | Free for children under 15 |
| Opening hours | About 7:00–18:00 on weekdays; often until about 21:00 at weekends |
| Time needed | 20–40 minutes |
| Entrance | Through the Pen Tower gate on Dinh Tien Hoang street, then over The Huc Bridge |
| Dress | Shoulders and knees covered; speak quietly inside |
| Turtle Tower | Seen from the shore only — there is no public access to the island |
Opening times are longer on weekend nights and festivals, and the temple can be very busy around Tet and the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.
Timing
Best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Cool air, mist on the water and hundreds of locals exercising. The best time for photos and a calm walk.
Pleasant under the trees, but hotter and busier around midday. A good time to visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Lights on The Huc Bridge and Turtle Tower, cooler air and street food nearby.
Walking street, buskers and a festival feel. Crowded but fun; watch your bags.
October to December and March to April are the most comfortable. Around Tet the lake is decorated and very lively.
Plan your visit
Walking route: one loop around Hoan Kiem Lake
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square
Start on the north shore, where the Old Quarter meets the lake.
Pen Tower and The Huc Bridge
Walk east along Dinh Tien Hoang and cross the red bridge.
Ngoc Son Temple
See the courtyards, the altars and the preserved turtle.
East shore and Hanoi Post Office
Continue south past the French-era post office and the Ly Thai To statue square.
South shore
Look back at Turtle Tower, then detour down Trang Tien Street if you want ice cream.
West shore and Le Thai To statue
Finish along the quieter west side, then head to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, five minutes away.
Map & directions
How to get to Hoan Kiem Lake
- From the Old QuarterA 2–10 minute walk from most Old Quarter hotels; the lake is the southern edge of the quarter.
- From Noi Bai International AirportAbout 30 km, 45–60 minutes by taxi or Grab. Airport bus 86 stops near the lake.
- By Grab or taxi from elsewhere in HanoiAsk for Ho Guom or Hoan Kiem Lake. Note that cars cannot enter the lake roads during the weekend walking street.
- With a local guideOur city tours include free pickup from hotels in the Old Quarter and around the lake.
Eat like a local
Where to eat near Hoan Kiem Lake
- Cafe Giang, 39 Nguyen Huu HuanA few minutes from the lake — egg coffee from the family that created it in 1946.
- Kem Trang Tien, 35 Trang TienHanoi’s classic ice cream shop, just south of the lake. Cheap, busy and very local.
- Xoi Yen, 35 Nguyen Huu HuanSticky rice with toppings, open from early morning — a good breakfast after the sunrise walk.
- Bun cha on Hang Manh and Hang QuatGrilled pork with noodles, ten minutes north into the Old Quarter.
- Banh mi and snacks on Hang Ca and Hang BacQuick street food for a picnic-style lunch.
For your camera
Best photo spots at Hoan Kiem Lake
- The Huc Bridge at dawnThe red bridge in soft light, often with mist on the lake.
- Turtle Tower from the west shoreLate afternoon light falls on the tower; at night it is lit up.
- Pen Tower gateFrame the stone tower against the sky from the steps.
- Rooftop cafés on the north shoreA wide view of the lake, the roundabout and the traffic.
Local advice
Tips for visiting Hoan Kiem Lake
Do
- Come at sunrise at least once — it is the most Hanoian hour of the day
- Cover shoulders and knees for Ngoc Son Temple
- Use the zebra crossings and cross slowly around the lake roads
- Keep bags zipped and phones close in the weekend crowds
- Carry small notes for tickets, drinks and snacks
Don’t
- Feed or disturb the fish and turtles in the lake
- Sit on the temple altars or step on raised thresholds
- Fly a drone — it is not allowed in central Hanoi without a permit
- Buy from street sellers who push items into your hands without agreeing a price
- Expect to drive or be dropped at the lake on weekend evenings
Visit with a local
Tours that visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Electric Scooter City Highlights Tour
234+ booked
From $45
$38
per adult
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Sunrise & Sunset Electric Scooter Tour
678+ booked
From $60
$51
per adult
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Female Riders City Highlights Tour
345+ booked
From $47
$40
per adult
Good to know
Hoan Kiem Lake: questions & answers
Why is it called Hoan Kiem Lake?
Hoan Kiem means “Returned Sword”. Legend says King Le Loi returned his magic sword to a golden turtle in the lake after defeating the Ming in the 15th century.
How much is the ticket to Ngoc Son Temple?
50,000 VND for adults; children under 15 enter free. The lake itself and the walking paths around it are free.
What time does Ngoc Son Temple open?
Usually about 7:00–18:00, with later closing (around 21:00) on weekend evenings. Times can change on festivals, so check at the gate.
How long does it take to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake?
About 20–30 minutes for the 1.7 km loop at an easy pace, or one to two hours if you visit the temple and stop for coffee.
Are there still turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake?
The last known giant soft-shell turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake died in 2016. A preserved specimen is displayed at Ngoc Son Temple.
When is the Hoan Kiem Lake walking street open?
Every weekend from Friday evening (about 19:00) until midnight on Sunday, with extra days on major holidays.
Can you visit Turtle Tower?
No. Turtle Tower stands on a small island in the middle of the lake and is seen from the shore only.
Is Hoan Kiem Lake worth visiting?
Yes. It is free, central and beautiful, and it is the best place to see everyday Hanoi life — especially at sunrise and on weekend evenings.
What is there to do at Hoan Kiem Lake?
Walk the shoreline, cross the red The Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, photograph the Turtle Tower on its island, and watch the dawn tai chi and aerobics classes. From Friday evening to Sunday night the roads around the lake close to traffic and become a lively walking street.
Is Hoan Kiem Lake free to visit?
The lake and its walk are free. Ngoc Son Temple on the island costs 50,000 VND for adults and is free for children under 15, and is open roughly 7:00 to 18:00 (later at weekends).
Hanoi
